An arbitrary distinction based on the achievement of a specific intelligent race.
A race which achieves interstellar travel (jump drive) through its own efforts is
classed major; one which does not is classed minor.

The Suerrat (a human race) have been held to be minor, because their achievement of
interstellar travel utilized Generation Ships.

Similarly, the Geonee were originally thought to be a major race, but their
development of Jump Drive was based on recovered AncientArtifacts rather
than true racial efforts. The Geonee dispute this prevailing opinion and hold
the (generally unshared) view that they are of major standing.

Recent research indicates that the Aslan achieved Jump capabilities through the
use of recovered Solomani technology; though their pervasive presence though
Charted Space has meant that current opinion leaves them caterorised as a major race.

The Droyne have been demonstrated to be major, having developed Jump Drive as far
back as -7000. At present, however, they do not build or use jump drives, and remain
voluntarily sequestered in their scattered systems to spinward.